Economy Size Geek

This is a bit unusual. It’s called the “Brut of Flanders”. It merges the traditions of Belgium with the traditions of France. Basically they make a very strong golden ale and then age, riddle and whatever they call it when they remove the yeast plug.

Rate Beer gives it a 92 - which is very respectable. You can visit the brewry site. I couldn’t link directly because they use flash :(

We actually had a 2002 verision. Annie was able to score some from a friend cellar. I’m not sure if you normally age Deus - since the yeast has been removed. We’ll have to try a “fresher” bottle to compare accurately. Also, the bottle specifically tells you that it should be served very very cold and in champagne flutes. I’m not sure if they just want to re-enforce the idea that is it barley champagne or if it really makes a difference. Personally I tend to prefer my Belgian strong ales a lot warmer than 32 F

He Said:

Appearance : It is a beautiful golden color. It has some cloudness - but not too much. In the Belgium tradition, the head pours big and stays around (unless you have a glass malfunction like Annie - and then the head evaporates immediately).

Aroma:It has a light fruity aroma. There is no doubt of its Belgian nature. I would say a lighter version of a Chimay Triple (White) would be a good aproximation.There is something else in the aroma that I just cannot put my finger on. It has no hint of alcohol in the aroma.

Taste: The taste is wonderful. It glides smoothly across your tongue. There is a medley of flavors - I’m guessing there is some corriander in there - but I could be wrong. There is a bit at the very end. It gives it a bit of a bitter finish but it is not harsh in a hoppy way. To be honest there is almost no hoppiness to it at all. There is a light fruit/citrus flavor that is very satisfing.

I would never have guessed that it was an 11.5% beer. The taste is simply so smooth. The only complaint I have is the way your tongue feels afterward. It is like a thing coating has been applied. This doesn’t seem to impact the flavor but it is an odd sensation.

Overall: I’ll admit I came into this very skeptical. The bottle was $20. That is a lot for 750mL of beer. They were obviously targeting people who are into champagne but looking for a little adventure. I’m willing to forgive the marketing.

In case you didn’t know, I love tripels and saisons. This seems to be a big brother of both. I don’t think this would be a regular selection - it has the alcohol but the flavor is too subdued. (I actually blame the serving temp on that - I mean how much can you really taste if it is 36F). On the other hand, you could serve it and non beer drinkers would have to take notice - it would be hard for them to comprehend that it was made with barley instead of grapes.

My Vote: Get a bottle - keep it around for a special occastion and enjoy with people you love! I think it is very nice - but truth be told - I would save your pennies and buy as much Dupont Avec les Bon Voeux as you can get your hands on instead. (Mostly because it is truly amazing and it is not ashamed to be called a beer).

She Said:
I’d been meaning to pick a bottle of this beer up for a while, but the $25
pricetag is a bit shocking (although compare it to what people pay for a
great wine or champagne and it’s nothing — go figure).

It comes in a beautifully crafted, rounded, heavy glass bottle and is
available at only one store in San Antonio that I know of (Whole Foods).
So when I called on Double Dave’s for work today and Adam told me about
his new “rare bottled beer list” and the DeuS was on it for $20, I told
him that I’d take one.

One side note: I noticed Adam gave a pronunciation guide on his list (”say
it: DAY-ews”), which I thought was funny. Until I was walking out of the
store and one of the employees said “Hey, Annie! Enjoy that DEUCE!”. Heh.

Ok, I’ll get on with it. This is a remarkable beer. I have to admit that
although I LOVE beer, I’m slightly skeptical of any beer that compares
itself to champagne. The first taste was sweet, dry, and tart. Very
refreshing. The only thing I could think to compare it to was the Dom one
of my girlfriends brought (my first Dom) for us to drink on the morning of
my wedding. Though I’d had Veuve Clicquot several times before, I’d never
had Dom before that day and was surprised by the slightly sour taste it
left on my palette. When I say sour, I don’t mean it as a negative either
– it’s a very refreshing sensation.

I’m not going to get too technical in this review because at somewhere in
the neighborhood of 11% ABV, I’m pretty sure the DeuS has gone to my head
already.

Bottom line: This is a beer for celebration and that deserves celebrating.
If you have an occasion that calls for Dom Perignon, but only have $25 in
your pocket, DeuS is definately the way to go.